DIY VALENTINO ROCKSTUD LEATHER CLUTCH

Remember when I made the DIY leopard clutch in this post? Well, I'm back at it, this time with leather and studs. Valentino's clutch is available at Neiman Marcus retailing for $1,345 and is on back order. But mine is less than $15 and will be available as soon as I make it.

I purchased 1/2 yard of faux leather at Hobby Lobby for $5.99. Bought 200 12mm studs from largedepot on Ebay for $4.19 and the lining will be from a pair of silken pants that ripped.

I bought these "hard to find in the stores" 14 inch gold teeth zippers from ZipperShop on Etsy for $6.50. 

I cut (2) 14 x 9 1/2 inches of the leather and (2) 14 x 10 inches of the fabric.

Next, I used a ruler and penciled a mark every 1/2 inch for stud placement.

Then I just pushed down each stud, flipped it over and used small pliers to fold over the prongs.

I pinned the zipper to the leather and lining. When sewing, line the sewing foot close the zipper teeth.

Repeat on other side.

Flip it over and bunch up the lining, because it will be sewn apart from the leather.

 Pin and sew

After you're finished sewing, cut off the corners, because when you turn it right side out, the corners will be more defined.

Turn it right side out and pull out the lining. You can either hand sew this or on the machine. I used the machine.

Here's the finished product.

Adding a graphic lining adds a professional finished look.

Rockin' my clutch @ work!

DIY RHINESTONE BIB NECKLACE

Bib necklaces are the perfect accessory with anything.  Worn with a simple T-shirt or a party dress, they make a big statement.

Atlantic-Pacific

This Blu Bijoux Crystal Encrusted bib necklace is available here for $45 from max and chloe.com.

currently sold out

 This one is available on Ebay for $108.99

How about we make our own. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a container of clear rhinestones for $15.99 but with the 40% off coupon, the price was only $9.00. I had E6000 super glue and a hot glue gun and left over black felt.

 Before I started gluing, I laid the rhinestones on the felt to create a pattern.

Satisfied with this pattern, I traced it with chalk and took a picture of the pattern, so I could replicate it when it's time to glue.

I cut out the felt and glued on the rhinestones. Be careful not to get the wispy strings from the hot glue on the rhinestones.

 I cut (2) 14 inch pieces of ribbon and sewed them on each side. Remember to cut off the excess felt around the rhinestones.

VOILA!

Looks just as good as the one on Ebay!

CHANEL INSPIRED BLACK AND TAN HEELS

Look at these two beauties from Chanel. I fell in love with the color combination. The black cap toe makes any shoe a bold statement piece. But, at these prices, I can't afford it, even from Ebay. And so began the hunt for a similar pair of shoes at a fraction of the price.

€325 = $447

€247 = $340

While still searching on Ebay , I found these Franco Sarto slingbacks for $49.99. I know, not the same but close.

Well, looky looky.  They done messed up now, cuz, I found almost the same exact Franco Sarto slingbacks at Unique for only $3.99, yes $3.99! See the price tag! #winning